Rare official printed report from the Civil War detailing events of the Battle of Fredericksburg, one page, 4 x 13.5, entitled “Latest from Burnside's Army,” issued from “Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Saturday, Dec. 13–11 p.m.” The report offers battle details on the day after Burnside’s army crossed the Rappahannock River and the start of the Union’s calamitous involvement in the Battle at Fredericksburg. In part: “The fog began to disappear early in the forenoon, affording an unobstructed view of our own and the rebel position.
It being evident the first ridge of hills in the rear of the city, on which the enemy had their guns posted behind works, could not be carried except by a charge of infantry, Gen. Sumner assigned that duty to Gen. French's division, which was supported by Gen. Howard's.
The troops advanced to their work at 10 minutes before 12, at a brisk run, the enemy's guns opening upon them a very rapid fire.
When within musket range, at the base of the ridge, our troops were met by a terrible fire from the rebel infantry, who were posted behind a stone wall and some houses on the right of our line.
This checked the advance of our men, and they fell back to a small ravine, but not out of musket range.
At this time another body of troops moved to their assistance in splendid style, notwithstanding large gaps were made in their ranks by rebel artillery. When our troops arrived at the first line of the rebel defences they double-quicked, and with fixed bayonets endeavored to dislodge the rebels from their hiding places.
The concentrated fire of the rebel artillery and infantry, which our men were forced to face, was too much for them, and the centre gave way in disorder, but afterwards they were rallied and brought back.
From that time the fire was spiritedly carried on, and never ceased until after dark…
The following is a list of officers killed and wounded as far as yet known:
Gen. Jackson, Pennsylvania reserves, killed.
Gen. Bayard, struck in the thigh by a shell and afterwards died.
Gen. Vinton, wounded in the side, but not seriously.
Gen. Gibbon, wounded in the hand.
Gen. Kimball, wounded in the thigh.
Gen. Caldwell, wounded in two places, but not seriously.
Col. Sinclair, Pennsylvania reserves, wounded seriously.
Capt. Hendrickson, commanding the 9th New York State militia, wounded seriously…
The firing of musketry ceased about 6 this evening, but the rebels continued throwing shells into the city until 8 o'clock.
The position of the rebels was as follows: Gen. Longstreet on the left and heading the main works, Gens. A. P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson were in front, and Gen. Franklin with Jackson's right resting on the Rappahannock, and Hill's forces acting as a reserve.
Gen. Burnside will renew the battle at daylight in the morning.
The troops are in good spirits and not the least disheartened.” In fine condition.
